Retractable Propeller Driven Pedal System and Method of Use

ABSTRACT

A retractable propeller driven pedal system for assembly onto a watercraft is disclosed. The retractable propeller driven pedal system converts an input from a user into a motive force for propelling the watercraft. The system comprises (i) an elongated drive unit having a distal end and a proximal end which comprises a head unit having at least two head unit grooves; (ii) a propeller arm which has a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end has two circular openings positioned to connect with head unit and the circular openings each have an extension with an aperture configured to receive a latch. The proximal end of the drive unit and proximal end of the propeller arm attach to form an articulation center which pivots around a first pivot point. A method for using a retractable propeller driven system is also disclosed

BACKGROUND

Personal watercrafts such as kayaks have long provided a means oftransportation on the water and a stealth means of fishing. Kayakfishing has become quite popular for several reasons including its broadappeal as an environmentally friendly and healthy method oftransportation. Kayak fishing is also popular due to its relatively lowcost of entry compared to motorized fishing boats. Additional benefitsof kayaks include the facts that kayaks have little maintenance cost andcan be stored in small spaces and launched quickly. Thus, in recentyears, sport fishing from kayaks has become popular in both fresh andsalt water.

People use personal watercrafts such a kayaks and canoes forrecreational activities including fishing, bird-watching, sightseeing,and the like. A traditional kayak or canoe, however, must be manuallypropelled using a paddle or oars. When a person is fishing in a kayak orcanoe, handling a paddle or oars can prevent a person fromsimultaneously handling a fishing rod or other fishing gear. Similarly,when a person is bird-watching or sightseeing in a kayak or canoe,handling paddles or oars can prevent a person from simultaneouslyhandling binoculars, maps, guidebooks, and the like. In addition, evenwhen a paddle or oars are not being used by a paddler, having a paddleor oars onboard can sometimes interfere with the person's non-paddlingactivities.

Many kayak anglers have started customizing their kayaks for fishing.Kayak manufacturers offer special models that are designed andaccessorized for fishing, including specially designed hatches, built-incoolers, built-in rod holders, gps receivers and equipment mounts.Specially designed fishing kayaks usually have designs which providesufficient stability allowing for the angler to stand up and fish on thekayak. These specially designed kayaks often provide storage spaceinside their hulls which allow the angler to stow fishing accessoriesincluding rods, fishing gear, extra paddles and anchors.

Manufacturers now offer kayaks that provide the angler hands freefishing and all the benefits associated therewith. Several manufacturersare currently offering kayaks which offer hands free fishing. Suchkayaks are equipped with a propeller drive systems which allow theangler to drive or maneuver the kayak by pedaling the system with one'sfeet. Personal watercrafts having pedal-operated propulsion devicesinstalled overcome issues arising from having to handle a paddle or oarsby converting force produced by a user's legs into a propulsion force topropel the watercraft. A pedal propulsion device enables a person tooperate the watercraft with his/her feet while having one or both handsfree. Pedal propulsion devices also offer a recreational alternative totraditional paddling methods.

For these propulsion devices to work efficiently, they must extend belowthe bottom of the personal watercraft such that an output of thepropulsion device extends into the water. Unfortunately, if thepropulsion device contracts with the bottom of the body of water whenapproaching shore or when operating in shallow water, the propulsiondevice may become damaged or hung up on the bottom of the body of waterinhibiting motion of the watercraft.

Sample propeller driver systems exists in the prior art. A few existingpropeller drive systems are retractable from the water when the drivesystem is not in use by the angler. When retracted, such existingpropeller drive systems create safety issues as well as storage issuesfor the angler. When retracted, the drive system is often in the directspace of the angler and has the potential of injuring the angler.

Furthermore, existing drive systems suffer leakage in the pedalingassembly, as well as leakage at connection points between the pedalassembly and the boat propeller. One area that has been found to besusceptible to the ingress of water is where the crank arms of a pedalare installed onto the propulsion device housing. Thus, there is a needfor preventing water from entering into pedal propulsion devices.Accordingly, there is a need for a recreational watercraft that is easyto operate and maneuver, does not require a paddle or oars, and caneasily be stowed in a folded position that does not interfere with auser's activities. Preferably, such a watercraft can be operated by aperson in a manner that permits the person to safely perform anotheractivity with one or both hands. Accordingly, there is a need for awatercraft with an alternative propulsion device that can be operatedwith one hand or no hands. Such a propulsion device should be easy tooperate, easy to stow and park, and selectively removable from awatercraft. Preferably, such a propulsion device should be capable ofbeing stored onboard a watercraft when not in use such that the devicedoes not interfere with a person's onboard activities, such as fishing,or the like.

A retractable propeller drive pedal system made for assembly to apersonal watercraft such as a kayak is needed wherein the propellerdrive pedal system is capable of being easily and safely retracted fromthe water and folded moving it to a location distant from the fisherman.A retractable propeller drive pedal system made for assembly to apersonal watercraft such as a kayak is needed wherein the propellerdrive pedal system is retracted, folded and stored leaving the fishermanample fishing and storage space on the kayak.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A propeller driven pedal system for assembly to and use with a kayak isdisclosed. The propeller driven pedal system comprises an articulationcenter which allow the fisherman or angler to easily position thepropeller driven pedal system in at least two positions: (1) an open oroperational position and (2) a retracted or folded position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the propeller driven pedal systemaccording to one example embodiment. In this perspective view, thepropeller driven pedal system is shown in the operational or openposition. In this perspective view, the propeller driven pedal system isnot attached or assembled to the kayak.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the propeller driven pedal system as shownaccording to one example embodiment. In this side view, the propellerdriven pedal system is shown in the operational or open position. Inthis perspective view, the propeller driven pedal system is not attachedor assembled to the kayak.

FIG. 3 depicts a top view of the propeller driven pedal system as shownaccording to one example embodiment. In this top view, the propellerdriven pedal system is shown in the operational or open position. Inthis perspective view, the propeller driven pedal system is not attachedassembled to the kayak.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the propeller driven pedal system asshown according to one example embodiment. In this perspective view, thepropeller driven pedal system is shown in the retracted or foldedposition. In this perspective view, the propeller driven pedal system isnot attached to the kayak.

FIG. 5 depicts a top view of the propeller driven pedal system as shownin FIG. 1 wherein the propeller driven pedal system is attached orassembled to a kayak. In FIG. 5, the propeller driven pedal system is inthe operational or open position.

FIG. 6 depicts a side view of the propeller driven pedal system attachedor assembled to a kayak as shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 6, the propellerdriven pedal system is in the open position and is partially shown dueto the sidewall of the kayak. The propeller driven pedal system is shownextending above and below the hull of the kayak.

FIG. 7 depicts a partial top perspective view of the bow of a kayak withthe propeller driven pedal system assembled to a kayak. In FIG. 7, thepropeller driven pedal system is in the operational or open position.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a kayak with the propeller driven pedal systemattached or assembled to a kayak according to another embodiment. InFIG. 8, the propeller driven pedal system is shown in the operational oropen position. The propeller driven pedal system is shown extendingabove and below the hull of the kayak.

FIG. 9 is partial perspective view of the bow of a kayak with thepropeller driven pedal system attached or assembled to a kayak. In FIG.9, the propeller driven pedal system is shown in the retracted or foldedposition.

FIG. 10 is a view of a mounting bracket used to secure the rod attachedto the propeller driven pedal system to the kayak according to oneexample embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a view of a push latch used to secure the rod of thepropeller driven pedal system to the kayak according to a second exampleembodiment.

FIG. 12 is a view of a hatch used in connection with a kayak. In thisperspective view, the propeller driven pedal system is shown inconnection with the hatch.

FIG. 13 is a view of a hatch which may be used in connection with apropeller driven pedal system. In this perspective view, the propellerdriven pedal system is not shown.

FIG. 14 depicts a view of the right and left groove tracks located onthe top of the bow of the kayak.

FIG. 15 depicts a view of the top of a kayak. In this view, the rod ofthe propeller driven pedal system is shown resting in the groove tracksof the kayak.

FIG. 16 depicts a channel extending from the distal end of the propellerarm.

FIG. 17 depicts a perspective view of the articulation center of thepropeller driven pedal system according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 18 depicts a perspective view of the articulation center of thepropeller driven pedal system according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a view the components of a propeller driven pedal systemaccording to one example embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a view of the components of a propeller driven pedal systemaccording to an example embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a view of the underside of a kayak.

FIG. 22 is a view of the drive system in the semi-folded position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-22, a retractable propeller driven pedal system(also referred to herein as a drive system) 100 for assembly onto awatercraft or kayak is disclosed. The watercraft or kayak includes ahull 150 and a drive system 100 for converting an input from a user intoa motive force for propelling the watercraft. In one embodiment, thedrive system 100 is a pedal drive system that converts a pedaling motionfrom the user into motive force. In one embodiment, the drive system 100uses the rotary motion from pedaling to rotationally drive a propeller126. Other drive systems are contemplated. For instance, a pumping styledrive system could be used where the user pushes back and forth onpedals rather than rotates pedals to provide motive force. Further,rather than have a rotary driven propeller, reciprocating blades couldbe used to create the motive force for propelling the watercraft.

Drive system 100 is generally located forward of a seating area wherethe user will generally be seated during operation of the watercraft.The hull includes an opening 200 extending there through from a top sideto a bottom side forward of the seating area through which the drivesystem extends when the drive system is in an operational or openposition (see FIG. 21). The opening 200 extends some distance from thefront of the watercraft towards the rear. In one embodiment, the openingterminates prior to the beginning of the keel, which is an elongatedstructure located on a bottom exterior of the hull 150, runninggenerally in a direction from the front of the hull 150 towards the backin a general center of the hull 150.

The watercraft includes an articulation center 136 also referred to as adrive system pivot assembly for transitioning the drive system 100between the operational position and a folded position. In theoperational position, the propeller unit 108 (i.e. output of the drivesystem) will be vertically lower than in the folded position.Preferably, the propeller unit 108 having a propeller 126 is positionedvertically below the bottom of the hull 150 in the operational positionso as to allow for maximum propulsion of the watercraft. At a minimum,the propeller unit 108 will be positioned vertically lower in theoperational position than in the folded position. Additionally, thepropeller unit 108 is positioned generally toward the front portion ofthe opening 200 in the bottom of the hull 150. This arrangement incombination with the elongated opening provides the maximum amount ofdistance between the propeller unit 108 and the keel. This greaterspatial distance allows more propulsed water to flow from the propellerunit without additional parts of the watercraft interfering with thepropulsed water, thus contributing to a smoother ride wherein the useris not required to pedal more diligently to achieve the same thrust.

Preferably, the drive system 100 is raised vertically above a top mostextent of the hull 150 in the folded position. This configurationprevents the drive system 100 from contacting: 1) the body of water inwhich the watercraft is being used; and 2) the hull itself. Thisprevents damage to the drive system 100 and, more importantly, allowsfor easier storage of the drive system 100 as well as easier removalfrom the watercraft entirely. In one embodiment, it is desirous for theuser to have access to the propeller unit 108 to allow for cleaningdebris from the drive system 100 as well as to allow for maintenance inthe event of damage to the drive system such as breakage of thepropeller 126. Thus, in one embodiment, the drive system 100 can bepivoted into a third, or semi-folded position, wherein the propellerunit 108 is easily accessed by the user, but the drive system 100 is notin a complete, folded position. Such semi-folded position is shown inFIG. 22.

The drive system pivot assembly includes a drive unit 102 that operablycarries the propeller for rotation about an output axis of rotation. Thedrive unit 102 is operably pivotably coupled to a propeller arm 128 at afirst pivot 202 defining a first pivot axis about which the drive unit102 and propeller arm 128 rotate relative to one another whentransitioning between the operational, folded, and semi-foldedpositions.

The propeller arm 128 is operably pivotably coupled to hull 150 at asecond pivot 204 defining a second pivot axis about which the second armrotates relative to the hull. The first and second pivots and,consequently, the first and second pivot axes are spaced apart from oneanother. In one embodiment, the first and second pivots are locatedgenerally at opposite ends of the propeller arm 128. Additionally, thefirst and second pivot axes extend parallel to one another andperpendicular to a centerline of the watercraft.

The second pivot is provided by a pivot member in the form of alaterally extending rod 134 attached proximate a distal end of thepropeller arm 128 and right and left pivot groove track 162 and 164formed in the hull. The pivot groove tracks 162 and 164 pivotablyreceive the pivot member or rod 134 to provide the pivotable couplingbetween the hull and the arm 128. The pivot groove tracks 162 and 164and the rod 134 generally extend longitudinally in a direction that isgenerally perpendicular to the centerline of the watercraft. Preferably,one of the surfaces defining the groove tracks 162 and 164 or the rod134 received therein includes a curved profile to provide a smoothsliding interface there between. The smooth interface facilitatesrotation about the second pivot axis when transitioning the drive systempivot assembly 136 between the operational and folded positions. In oneembodiment, each end of the elongated rod 134 is secured within itsrespective slot or groove by a securing mechanism 154, 156. In oneembodiment, securing mechanism 154, 156 permits the free rotation of theelongated rod 134 about its axis but does not permit the elongated rod134 ends to be vertically lifted out of each groove track 162 and 164.In other embodiments, the securing mechanism 154, 156 may be provided bya mouth of pivot groove tracks 162 and 164. More particularly, the mouthof the pivot groove tracks 162 and 164 may be sized slightly smallerthan the diameter of rod 134 such that the pivot groove tracks 162 and164 generally has a C-shaped profile and the rod 134 snaps into thepivot groove tracks 162 and 164 to help secure the rod 134 therein.

Referring now to FIGS. 7, 9-11 and 14-15, the propeller driven pedalsystem 100 may be attached or assembled to a kayak by securingmechanisms 154 and 156 which secure rod 134 into groove tracks 162 and164 (shown in FIGS. 14 and 15). In one embodiment, securing mechanisms154 and 156 may be hold down latches (as shown in FIG. 10). Such holddown latches may comprise mounting brackets having two solid componentsmounted to the kayak 150 on either side of groove tracks 162 and 164 anda connector having two ends which each attach to such solid components.The connector of the hold down latch crosses over rod 134 thereby firmlysecuring rod 134 in the groove tracks 162 and 164. In anotherembodiment, a push latch (as shown in FIG. 11) may be used to secure rod134 into the groove tracks 162 and 164. Other securing mechanisms may beused to secure the rod 134 into the groove tracks 162 and 164 of kayak150 as desired by one of skill in the art.

In one embodiment, the propeller arm 128 is pivotally coupled to theelongated rod 134 so that the arm 128 can freely rotate around theelongated rod 134. In another embodiment, both the arm 128 and elongatedrod 134 can freely rotate independent of the other. In anotherembodiment, only the elongated rod 134 can rotate when coupled to thearm 128. In yet another embodiment, the arm 128 is capable of freelyrotating about the elongated rod 134, but the elongated rod 134 isstationary and does not rotate. In one embodiment, the arm 128 iscapable of moving along the elongated rod 134 from right to left, orfrom port to starboard.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, in one embodiment, a locking mechanism 155between the drive unit 102 and the hull 150 releasably locks the drivesystem pivot assembly 136 in the operational position. In oneembodiment, the locking mechanism 155 is attached to the hull 150 andengages the drive unit 102 in the operational position to prevent thetransitioning of the drive assembly 136 from the operational to thefolded position. In another embodiment, the locking mechanism 155 isattached to the drive unit 102 and engages the hull 150 in theoperational position to prevent the transitioning of the drive assembly136 from the operational to the folded position. In one embodiment, thelocking mechanism 155 is integrally formed from the hull 150. In anotherembodiment, the locking mechanism 155 is a separate piece and reversiblyattached to the hull.

In one embodiment, a latch 138 is provided on the propeller arm 128 atthe first pivot point 202 to secure the articulation center or drivesystem pivot assembly 136 in either the operational or the foldedposition. The latch 138 operates to prohibit the drive unit 102 andpropeller arm 128 from rotating at the first pivot point 202. Thus, thelatch 138 can be engaged when the drive system 100 is in the operationalposition to ensure that the drive unit 102 remains stationary withrespect to the propeller arm 128 so that there is no unwanted movementbetween the drive unit 102 and propeller arm 128 while in use. The latch138 can also be engaged when the drive system 100 is in the foldedposition to ensure that the drive unit 102 remains stationary withrespect to the propeller arm 128 to prevent unwanted folding of thedrive system 100. In one embodiment, the latch 138 is integrally formedfrom the first pivot point. In another embodiment, the latch 138 is aseparate piece and attached to the first pivot point. In anotherembodiment, the latch 138 is integrally formed from the propeller arm128. In another embodiment, the latch is a separate piece and attachedto the propeller arm 128.

In one embodiment, the drive system pivot assembly 136 is configuredsuch that the transition from the operational position to the foldedposition can be performed using a single hand.

To transition the drive system 100 from the operational to the foldedposition, the drive unit 102 must first raise vertically against gravitythrough the opening in the hull. In one embodiment, the drive unit 102is raised vertically through rotation only at the first pivot point 202wherein there is no rotation at the second pivot point 204. The hullopening 200 is elongated so that there is sufficient clearance for thedrive unit 102 to pass through and above the opening 200 while thesecond pivot point 204 remains static. In another embodiment, the driveunit 102 is raised vertically through the opening 200 through rotationonly at the second pivot point 204, wherein there is no rotation at thefirst pivot point 202. The first and second pivot points are spacesufficiently apart and the hull opening 200 is sufficiently elongated toprovide enough clearance for the drive unit 102 to pass through andabove the opening 200 while the first pivot point 202 remains static. Inone embodiment, in transitioning from the operational position to thefolded position, the arm 128 will pivot via both the first 202 andsecond 204 pivots and in a direction away from the seating area whentransitioning from the operational position to the folded position aswell as vertically upward as discussed previously. In anotherembodiment, both the drive unit 102 and propeller arm 128 will pivotabout both the first and second pivot points to transition the driveassembly 100 from the operational position to the folded position andvice versa.

Once the drive unit 102 has been raised vertically past the opening 200and through the hull 150, the drive unit 102 should rotate about eitherthe first 202 or second 204 pivot point further until it is generallyparallel with the watercraft when viewed from a side. In one embodiment,at this position, called the semi-folded position, the drive unit 102 isentirely above and outside of the hull, wherein the arm 128 is generallyperpendicular to the watercraft when viewed from a side. In anotherembodiment, at this position, the drive unit 102 extends only a portionabove and outside of the hull 150. As a result, drive unit 102 andpropeller arm 128 form a generally 90 degree angle at the first pivotpoint. As mentioned above, this semi-folded position allows for cleaningof the propeller unit 108 or general maintenance without having toperform the necessary extra steps to place the drive assembly 136 in itsfully folded position.

The semi-folded position also provides greater access to the drive unit102 and propeller unit 108 without having to remove the drive system 100from the watercraft entirely.

Once in the intermediate, semi-folded position, the drive assembly 100can be transitioned into its fully folded position. By placing adirectional force on the drive assembly toward the front of thewatercraft and away from the seating area, both pivot points willcontinue to experience axis rotation. The propeller arm 128 willtransition from a position generally perpendicular to the hull to a moreparallel position as it moves away from the seating area. As thepropeller arm 128 comes forward toward the front of the watercraft andaway from the seating area, the drive unit 102 will rotate about thefirst pivot point 202, decreasing the angle between drive unit 102 andpropeller arm 128 at the first pivot point 202. In one embodiment in thefolded position, both the drive unit 102 and propeller arm 128 aregenerally parallel to the watercraft, and both drive unit 102 andpropeller arm 128 are vertically above and outside of the top surface ofthe hull. In another embodiment in the folded position, both drive unit102 and propeller arm 128 are generally parallel to the watercraft, anddrive unit 102 and propeller arm 128 are only a portion vertically aboveand outside of the top surface of the hull 150. In one embodiment, thepropeller unit 108 rests on a top surface of the hull 150 when the driveassembly 136 is in the folded position. In another embodiment, a portionof the propeller arm 128 rests on a top surface of the hull in thefolded position. In another embodiment, there are zero points of contactbetween the drive assembly 136 and the hull 150 when in the foldedposition.

In one embodiment, the drive unit 102 is generally an assembly ofcomponents that supports the input (pedals) and output (prop) of thedrive system. The assembly of components includes a generally hollowmember through which connection mechanisms, e.g. chains, belts, orshafts, that operably connect the input to the output extend.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, in one embodiment, a hatch or consolemember 160 is operably attached to the drive unit 102. The hatch 160closes off most if not all of the opening 200 through the hull 150 whenthe drive system pivot assembly 136 is in the operational position.Because the hatch 160 is attached to the first arm, the hatch 160transitions with the drive unit 102 while the drive system pivotassembly 136 transitions between the operational and folded positions.In other embodiments, the hatch 160 is attached to the hull 150, andthus does not transition with the drive unit 102 when the drive pivotassembly 136 transitions between operational and folded positions. FIG.12 depicts the propeller driven pedal system 100 in connection with thehatch 160 of kayak 150. FIG. 13 depicts the hatch 160 when the system100 is not in use.

In one embodiment, the hatch 160 includes a handle for the user to graspwhile transitioning between the operational and folded positions.

In one embodiment, the system 100 is made of aluminum casting, but othermaterials, such as metal, plastic or combinations of metal and plastic,may be used as desired by one of skill in the art. Referring now toFIGS. 1 to 4 and 17 and 18, in one example embodiment, a propellerdriven pedal system 100 comprises an elongated drive unit 102 havingproximal end and a distal end and a propeller arm 128 having a proximalend and a distal end. In one embodiment, a head unit 110 may be locatedat the proximal end of drive unit 102. Channels 152 and 154 may belocated at the proximal end of propeller arm 128. In one embodiment,head unit 110 is assembled between channels 152 and 154 to formarticulation center 136 at first pivot point 202. In one embodiment,head unit 110 has one or more head unit grooves 112 which receive thearticulation latch 138. In one embodiment, propeller unit 108 may belocated at the distal end of drive unit 102

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4 and 17 and 18, articulation center 136 andarticulation latch 138 allow the fisherman or angler to position thesystem 100 in its two positions: (1) operational or open position and(2) retracted or folded position. In FIGS. 1 to 3, the propeller drivenpedal system is shown in the open position. In FIG. 4, the propellerdriven pedal system 100 is shown in the folded position. In one exampleembodiment, when the system 100 is not needed by the fisherman orangler, the articulation center 136 having articulation latch 138 allowthe fisherman or angler to fold or retract the system 100. The system100 retracts towards the bow of the kayak offering the fishermanadditional space for fishing. When the system 100 is needed by thefisherman, the articulation center 136 allows the fisherman or angler tounfold the system 100 and move the system 100 towards the fisherman andinto the operational position for use. Head unit 110 rotates around afirst pivot point 202 and has at least two head unit grooves 112 whichreceive articulation latch 138. Articulation latch 138 is pulled awayfrom head unit 110 when the fisherman is folding or unfolding the system100. Once system is in the desired position, latch 138 is secured into ahead unit groove 112 to prevent further rotation of the head unit 110 atfirst pivot point 202.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 4, in one embodiment, right and left crankarms 114 and 116 are connected to the head unit 110. Right and leftpedals 118 and 120 are contiguous to right and left crank arms 114 and116. Right and left pedals 118 and 120 are controlled by the rotatingaction of the user's feet and are used to control the rotational speedof propeller 126. In one embodiment, propeller 126 is driven by thepedals and is capable of operating in two directions: forward andreverse.

In another example embodiment, fin 124 may extend perpendicular fromabout the center of the drive unit 102. Fin 124 prevents water fromentering the kayak from opening 200. In one embodiment, handle 122 isattached to the drive unit 102. Handle 122 may be used for thetransportation and manipulation of the propeller driven pedal system100. In one embodiment, system 100 comprises a notch 140 which providessupport to the drive unit 102 while the system 100 is in the retractedor folded position (best shown in FIG. 4).

Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 4, in a further embodiment, at itsproximal end, channels or circular openings 152 and 154 of propeller arm128 encase on either side of attach to head unit 110 to formarticulation center 136. Left and right channels or circular openings152 and 154 may have each have an extended portion 156 and 158. Extendedportion 156 and 158 each have an aperture used to connect latch 138 foruse with head unit grooves. End caps (shown in FIG. 20 are attached toopening 152 and 154. A seal or O-ring may be used between end caps andcircular openings to create a seal (as shown in FIG. 20). Crank arms andpedals are attached to end caps. Left and right channels 130 and 132(see also FIG. 16) are contiguous to propeller arm 128 at its distalend. Left and right channels 130 and 132 are configured to receive rod134. In one embodiment, rod 134 is permanently fixed to channels 130 and132. In another embodiment, rod 134 is not permanently fixed to channels130 and 132.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, FIG. 5 depicts a top view of thepropeller driven pedal system 100 wherein the propeller driven pedalsystem 100 is attached or assembled to a kayak 150. In FIG. 5, thepropeller driven pedal system 100 is in the open position. FIG. 6depicts a side view of the propeller driven pedal system 100 attached orassembled to a kayak 150. In FIG. 6, the propeller driven pedal system100 is in the open position and is partially seen due to the side wallof the kayak. The propeller unit 108 of propeller driven pedal system110 is shown extending below the hull 150 of the kayak. The propellerarm 128 and pedals may be seen extending above the side wall of thekayak.

Referring to FIG. 8, according to another example embodiment, FIG. 8 isa side view of a kayak 150 with the propeller driven pedal system 100attached or assembled to a kayak 150. In FIG. 8, the propeller drivenpedal system 100 is shown in the open position. The propeller unit 108of the propeller driven pedal system 100 is shown extending below thehull of the kayak. The propeller arm 128 and pedals may be seenextending above the side wall of the kayak.

Referring now to FIGS. 19 and 20, in one example embodiment, thecomponents of the propeller driven pedal system 100 are disclosed.

A method of use for a retractable propeller driven system 100 is alsodisclosed. According to one example embodiment, the method comprises thesteps: (a) assembling or attaching the system 100 to kayak 150; (b)rotating articulation center 136 of system 100 in order to desiredpositon; and (c) securing articulation latch 130 into head unit groove112.

Other embodiments of the disclosed technology will be apparent to thoseof skill in the art from consideration of the specification and practiceof the technology disclosed herein. It is intended that thespecification and the example embodiments be considered as exemplaryembodiments only, with a true scope and spirit of the technology beingindicated by the disclosure herein.

I claim:
 1. A retractable propeller driven pedal system for assemblyonto a watercraft wherein the retractable propeller driven pedal systemconverts an input from a user into a motive force for propelling thewatercraft, wherein the system comprises an elongated drive unit havinga distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end comprises ahead unit having at least two head unit grooves; a propeller arm havinga distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end has twocircular openings positioned to connect with head unit, wherein thecircular openings each have an extension with an aperture configured toreceive a latch; wherein the proximal end of the drive unit and proximalend of the propeller arm attach to form an articulation center whichpivots around a first pivot point.
 2. A method for using a retractablepropeller driven system, wherein the method comprises the steps: (a)assembling or attaching a system of claim 1 to a watercraft; (b)pivoting the articulation center of the system around a first pivotpoint in order to place the system in a desired positon; and (c)securing the articulation center in such position.